Root Canal Treatment

If you're experiencing tooth pain or suspect a tooth infection, a root canal may be necessary to prevent tooth extraction. Root canal treatment aims to treat infection and inflammation in the tooth's pulp, providing pain relief soon after the procedure.

Dr. Ferguson and his team offer exceptional dental care services at Black Point Dental in Honolulu, HI. We offer endodontic services and consultations to help you explore your treatment options. 

A root canal is needed when the soft tissue inside the root canal, called the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected.

This can happen due to: 

• Deep decay
• Repeated dental procedures
• Trauma to the tooth
• Cracked, chipped, or dislodged teeth
• Issues with a previous filling
• Faulty crowns

If left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding teeth and gums, leading to further complications. A root canal procedure involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning the canal, and filling it with a special material to prevent further infection.

Taking care of your dental health is essential to maintaining overall wellness. However, dental issues may arise even with regular brushing and flossing. One of the most common dental procedures is a root canal, which becomes necessary when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed.

The following symptoms may indicate that you need a root canal:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Severe pain while chewing or biting
• Pimples on the gums
• Swollen or tender gums
• Deep decay or darkening of the gums.

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact Dr. Ferguson at Black Point Dental for an appointment. Dr. Ferguson will review your symptoms and recommend the best treatment option for you. 

Before the Procedure

At your consultation, Dr. Ferguson will explore various endodontic treatments suitable for your specific situation. After examining your medical history and current dental condition, he will assess your symptoms and overall oral health.

X-rays might be necessary to detect the damaged tooth pulp. If Dr. Ferguson concludes that a root canal is the best course of action, he will arrange your subsequent appointment.

During the Procedure

During a root canal treatment, Dr. Ferguson performs a series of steps to remove the inflamed or infected pulp and save the tooth. Here's a brief overview of the process:

• Anesthesia: A local anesthetic is administered to numb the tooth and surrounding area to ensure patient comfort.
• Isolation: A rubber dam is placed around the tooth to keep it dry and saliva-free during the procedure.
• Access opening: Dr. Ferguson creates a small opening in the tooth's crown to access the pulp chamber and root canals.
• Pulp removal: The infected or inflamed pulp is carefully removed from the root canals using specialized instruments called endodontic files.
• Cleaning and shaping: The root canals are thoroughly cleaned and shaped to remove any debris, bacteria, and infection.
• Irrigation: An antibacterial solution is used to flush out the canals, further disinfecting and removing any remaining debris.
• Filling: Once the canals are clean and dry, they are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This seals the root canals and prevents reinfection.
• Temporary filling: A temporary filling material is placed in the access opening to protect the tooth between appointments.

By following these steps, Dr. Ferguson ensures the successful removal of the inflamed or infected pulp and preserves the tooth structure.

After the Procedure

Upon completion of the treatment, Dr. Ferguson may recommend an antibiotic to combat any lingering infection. In most cases, you must revisit the office for a follow-up appointment to receive your final crown or dental restoration.

Most patients find relief from pain caused by inflammation and infection immediately after the treatment concludes. It is common to experience minor to moderate discomfort for a few days following the procedure, particularly while chewing with the treated tooth.

In such instances, we suggest using over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate any discomfort or swelling.

Root canals are typically conducted using local anesthesia. However, if you prefer to be entirely at ease during the procedure, our team can provide you with available sedation options.

The anesthesia-induced numbness typically persists for 2-4 hours. To avoid injuries, we advise against consuming food until the sensation dissipates. Generally, patients return to their regular eating habits within a few days following a root canal.

Black Point Dental offers advanced dental services, including endodontic treatments. Dr. Patrick Ferguson and the Black Point Dental team can handle all your dental needs.

Dr. Patrick Ferguson is a member of the Hawaii Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the American Board of Oral Implantology. At Black Point Dental, we offer comprehensive root canal treatments for you and your family.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ferguson about a root procedure, call us at (808) 955-5922 or request an appointment online. You can also visit our office in Honolulu, HI.